It is a familiar story heard around the country. A blogger criticizes a politician on their blog. The criticism garners attention. The politician or supporters of that politician attempt to retaliate in some way. Some persue underground bully tactics, like trying to out the identity of the blogger if he or she is anonymous or psuedonymous so as to intimidate the blogger into silence. Others attempt the legal route of suing for defamation. In Salisbury, Maryland, as in other places where the claims have been brought, the blogger wins again.
Visibly laughing at times during Tuesday’s testimony pitting former Salisbury mayor Barrie Parsons Tilghman against Joseph Albero, Judge Daniel R. Mumford ultimately ruled in favor of the blogger who is notorious for his criticism of Tilghman and a host of public officials.
“If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen,” Mumford declared, after making the point that public figures are often targets of disparagement during the course of their careers.
Tilghman filed the $9,999 defamation civil suit against Albero in July 2007, alleging he posted information on his blog — www.sbynews.blogspot.com — that was not true. The case focused on accusations Tilghman used taxpayer money to pay for legal fees and allegations she used Public Works Department employees to renovate a deck attached to her Monitor Court home. […]
“It’s a victory for the First Amendment, for free speech and free press,” said Bright. “I’m pleased the judge recognized our First Amendment right,” Albero said in an interview. “It’s a victory for all bloggers across the country.” Despite the judge’s critical comments, Albero said he recognized the ruling as a validation of residents’ rights to comment and question elected officials. “This isn’t a victory for Joe Albero,” he said. “This was a victory for the citizens of Salisbury.”
I will admit that I am not up on the political happenings of our Delmarva neighbors in Salisbury, Maryland. But I do congratulate Mr. Albero on his legal victory and encourage others to read about the story here.